The aim of this unit is for learners to develop knowledge of how to conduct a search for potential jobs which match their skills and interests.

Transcription

1 Unit 5: Searching for a Job Unit code: D/503/2831 QCF Level: Level 1 Credit value: 1 Guided learning hours: 10 Unit aim The aim of this unit is for learners to develop knowledge of how to conduct a search for potential jobs which match their skills and interests. Unit introduction Looking for a job can be challenging and time consuming. Before starting the search, it is important to know what skills you have, what you are interested in and where to look for appropriate employment opportunities. The focus of this unit is on learners demonstrating their skills in knowing where and how they can most effectively identify potential jobs. Learners will find out how to make choices about the most appropriate ways to search for jobs and the most appropriate jobs to search for, based on an understanding of their own skills and interests. Learning outcomes and assessment criteria In order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that they can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit. The assessment criteria determine the standard required to achieve the unit. Learning outcomes 1 Know sources of information about jobs 2 Know how to recognise own interests and skills for job roles 3 Know how to search for job vacancies Assessment criteria 1.1 Outline different sources of information about jobs 1.2 Outline the assistance provided by different recruitment services 2.1 Identify own interests and skills for employment 2.2 Identify potential job roles which match own skills and interests 3.1 Outline relevant information to look for in job adverts for potential jobs 3.2 Identify appropriate methods to search for potential job vacancies 45

2 Unit content 1 Know sources of information about jobs Sources of information about jobs: there are a range of different sources which provide information on job vacancies eg recruitment agencies, internet sites, newspapers, magazines and journals, Jobcentres; different sources carry different types of job adverts eg trade journals carry job adverts specific to a particular sector or industry Recruitment services: locations of recruitment services eg job centres, recruitment agencies, local community noticeboards, advertisements inside or outside shops, offices, restaurants or other places of work, local newspapers and other local publications, national press, internet, self-employment, HR departments of organisations/companies, word of mouth Assistance provided by recruitment services : sources which provide a recruitment service to employers and jobseekers eg employment agencies, job centres; sources which recruit directly for an organisation/company eg HR departments, company websites; sources that provide advertisements or other information about potential job opportunities eg community noticeboards, newspapers 2 Know how to recognise own interests and skills for job roles Skills and interests: hard skills gained through either completing a training course or through education or previous work experience; soft skills eg personal qualities and talents, interests eg hobbies, preferences and aspirations Matching to potential job roles: the potential job role should ideally match the learner s hard and soft skills; important and less important factors in deciding the appropriateness of a potential job role eg location, working hours, salary, job description, type of industry, size of organisation 3 Know how to search for job vacancies Information in job adverts: relevant terminology eg abbreviations and descriptors commonly used in job advertisements eg CV, MD, O.T.E, PA, team player, hands-on approach, flexible attitude ; different types of information contained in a job advert eg location, skills needed for the job, salary and benefits, length of contract, opportunities to receive training, promotion or learn new skills; recognising key words in job adverts that match own skills, interests and personal circumstances eg would suit someone with an interest in sport, full driving licence required Appropriate methods to search for jobs: conducting the job search according to what the learner requires from a job eg using local sources such as local newspapers, Jobcentres, neighbours and friends to search for jobs in the local area, searching the vacancies section of a company or organisation website if the learner wishes to work for that particular company or organisation, using internet job sites or national newspapers if the learner wishes to find a job outside their local area 46 and Diploma specialist qualification in WorkSkills Issue 2 July 2011 Edexcel Limited 2011

3 Essential guidance for tutors Delivery A wide range of delivery methods can be used in this unit, for example tutorials, presentations, video, discussions with those in the world of work, worksheets and internet sources. As many practical activities as possible should be included to help learners relate to the unit content. By combining various aspects of the unit, tutors should be able to cover all the learning outcomes through practical activities. As the emphasis of this unit is on allowing the learner to identify potential jobs, based on an understanding of their own skills and interests, the tutor could start delivery of this unit by asking learners to make a list of jobs that interest them. Learners should be encouraged to describe their skills and interests through group discussion or with a tutor. In describing their skills and interests, they should understand how these can be used to identify potential job roles this could be related to the type of job they are interested in (for example administration, customer service) or specifically to a sector area (for example health and social care, construction, retail) and the particular features of individual job roles such as working hours, work location etc. The learner s skills and interests may also be related to other qualifications they are undertaking which may help to identify potential job roles. To develop knowledge of potential job sources, learners should investigate the range of job sources available to them. These could be job agencies such as employment agencies or Jobcentres, services such as careers advisers, or sources of information such as newspapers, trade journals and internet sites. Learners should also know that some job vacancies can be brought to their attention by other means, such as word of mouth. Learners could visit the Jobcentre or an employment agency. On returning to the college, school or place of learning, learners could record their information about the roles and functions of these services and potential jobs to suit their skills, abilities and interests. To identify appropriate job roles, learners could carry out further directed investigation into potential job roles, for example by reading about potential areas of work on the internet or in careers publications, or by talking to people who work in a similar area. For learning outcome 3, learners could work in groups to analyse the information in real job adverts and answer questions on a worksheet about the key words and terminology used. 47

4 Assessment For 1.1, the learner must give brief details about four different sources of information about job vacancies. This could take the form of a presentation, leaflet or poster which includes the information required for 1.2. To meet 1.2, the learner needs to give clear information about the assistance provided by the recruitment services described in 1.1. For 2.1, the learner needs to identify their interests and skills and for employment. Evidence may be recorded in the form of a skills audit. For 2.2, the learner needs to match their skills and interests to two potential job roles. Learners should be able to select the most appropriate job roles based on how closely they match their skills and interests. This information could be presented in the form of a chart or checklist. For 3.1, the learner needs to identify information in job adverts that will help them in carrying out a job search to match their skills and interests, for example how the skills requirements section of a job advert can help them to narrow down their search. The learner may use either job vacancies for which they will be applying or in which they have a genuine interest. For 3.2, the learner needs to identify three sources of information available to search for potential jobs (although they will not be expected to use all of these to search for potential jobs). Tutors may wish to give learners a range of appropriate sources to choose from at this level. Links to other BTEC units, other BTEC qualifications and other relevant units and qualifications This unit forms part of the WorkSkills from Edexcel suite. It has particular links with: Entry Level Level 1 Level 2 Unit 5: Searching for a Job Unit 6: Applying for a Job Unit 7: Preparing for an Unit 8: Skills Unit 11: Career Unit 6: Applying for a Job Unit 7: Preparing for an Unit 8: Skills Unit 11: Career Unit 4: Searching for a Job Unit 5: Applying for a Job Unit 6: Preparing for an Unit 7: Skills Unit 10: Career 48 and Diploma specialist qualification in WorkSkills Issue 2 July 2011 Edexcel Limited 2011

5 Essential resources Learners need access to sources of information about where and how to search for specific types of jobs (such as magazines, newspapers, the internet, other people, Jobcentres). They will also need access to examples of relevant job advertisements (real or simulated). Websites